Jumblat Calls for Formation of 30-Minister Cabinet

Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc leader MP Walid Jumblat voiced calls on Wednesday to form a cabinet of 30 ministers in order to represent all political factions in the new government.

“The best way to get a ministry is to return to the the old formula with a balanced share for the Marada Movement and the Lebanese Forces,” said Jumblat in a tweet.

Political parties have reportedly agreed on the distribution of ministerial portfolios and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is expected to announce a new cabinet soon.

The latest obstacle that was hampering the formation of a cabinet was the allotment of a key portfolio for the Marada Movement after insisting to be given one of three, the telecommunications, public works or energy.

Speaker Nabih Berri agreed recently to concede the public works portfolio in favor of the Marada in what he described as a step to “ease the differences and facilitate the formation process.”